Kargil Diwas by Maj gen Ian Cardozo

Country First

As you would recall that I had suggested the use of the marigold as a significant symbol to remind Indians of the sacrifices made by the armed forces for the nation and to remind them of the war dead and the 'Unknown Soldier'. We need to take this forward. Unlike the rose, the simple Indian marigold is used by Indians as a symbol of respect since time immemorial.

I am in the UK now. Here it is 'Remembrance Day' and the symbol for the war dead and the war disabled is the poppy. On Remembrance Day the whole of UK unites to pay homage to the war dead and the Unknown Soldier. The poppy is given to the citizens of this country and the recipient gives whatever he/ she can afford. The money collected is used for the welfare of disabled soldiers and the families of the war dead.

If the system does not do enough for the soldier in India then we need to do it ourselves. You would recall that before the 1971 War, the LIC refused to insure us against death/ disablement due to war and we had to subsequently set up the Army Group Insurance scheme. We should also similarly think of what we can do for the families of those who have sacrificed their all. The British system of Poppy Day/ Remembrance Day is a case in point.

I had also spoken about a long term strategy of what we should do 'long term'. I had suggested the setting up of a political party based on the philosophy of the Chetwode motto of 'Country First' and a strong set of values that puts country first, people next and self last. The wrangling that is presently going on between various Service groups is indicative that at the very start we are a divided lot and that if we do go by the objective of forming a political party at some point of time we will be no better than any other political party, in which case we might as well shelve this laudable aim. The country holds the Army in high esteem and we will be able to do well ONLY IF we prove that even after retirement we can be great instruments of change based on a solid set of values.

Maj Gen Ian Cardozo

Kargil Diwas
For the Tri-city (Chandigarh, Mohali & Panchkula) we have planned homage to martyrs (in connection with the Kargil Diwas) (wreath laying, eye donation & organ pledging) in the morning (1030-1130h), and candle lighting in the evening (2000h) at the Major Shankla Memorial, Sector-2, Panchkula. A big medical and dental camp for weaker sections of society is being organised from 0900 to 1600h at the Satluj Public School, Sector-2, Panchkula on Sunday, 26 July 2009. A few lectures at selected schools are also planned. If you want more let me know earliest. Do join in the good cause. Your physical presence at the functions, more than anything else, would go a long way in confirming our commitment to society, and our own cause.
Regards,
Brig Kiran Krishan, IESM Convenor, Panchkula